Nothing says Merry Christmas like family and friends :) What a wonderful little Christmas I was blessed with this year. While my family and friends believed me to be traveling to Thailand this Christmas I actually made a surprise trip home instead. Oh the web of lies I weaved the last couple of months!!! I had my brother pick me up at the airport where I wobbled my way to their car (numb bottom = wobble like behavior) with flip flops and all. My brother planned a late lunch to meet my parents and expose the truth of holiday plans. As my brother's beautiful family met my parents inside and got comfy cozy at a table I made my way in minutes later. I tip-toed my way through slush and snow while of course hovering close to the ground (such smooth stealth like manouver I do know) . The odd stares from random strangers I could have done without but alas what can one do when one is in the surprising spirit!? As I made my way over to my parents table I simply stood behind my little neice Paige and waited for my parents to spot me...when my mom looked up and saw me her mouth dropped and she started to gasp (gasping = good). My dad teared up and hugs became entangled. AWE good times all around :)

It was so wonderful spending time with my entire family. We baked, ate, watched movies, shopped, ate, played games, ate, coffee shopped it, ate, and did a whole lot of just talking and laughing :) Grand times in deed. I also was able to see my brother's new church, Sojourn Church in action. What an inspiration he is. His passion and thirst for God's will is contagious :)

It was a bit chilly in Traverse City, especially when one's parents are used to keeping their furnace at a BBrrr temp of 58 degrees!! I had such a wonderful time and feel so blessed and lucky to have a family like mine. While it was hard to leave I am left thrilled and excited for my parents visit in February!!!! To have my parents and best friends here on Saipan will be the most wonderful of all gifts. Good times ahead :)